Chris Michael-Cumulative Trauma, Growth, and the Way Forward

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Tell This Story

39 episodes

2 days ago

My name is Doug White, a veteran and retired first responder with over 30 years of service. I wrote Hiding in Plain Sight: The Truth about Trauma, Service, and The Way Forward to ignite essential conversations on the unique challenges veterans, first responders, and their families face. Through my book and the Tell This Story platform, I aim to create a space for authentic storytelling and shared hope. Each week on Tell This Story, I’ll sit down with fellow veterans, responders, and their loved ones to discuss these challenges and explore paths forward.

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Personal Journals

Society & Culture

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Chris Michael-Cumulative Trauma, Growth, and the Way Forward

Tell This Story

54 minutes 48 seconds

4 months ago

Chris Michael-Cumulative Trauma, Growth, and the Way Forward

Episode Summary:
In this raw and inspiring episode of Tell This Story, host Doug White sits down with retired Captain Chris Michael, who reflects on his 25-year law enforcement journey and the mental toll that built up over time.

Chris shares how cumulative trauma reshaped hisidentity—and how he’s now using his voice to push for culture change, resilience training, and peer support inside the badge.

We explore the mental health crisis in law enforcement,why kindness must be recognized, and how officers can prepare for retirement with purpose and community. Chris also shares his involvement with two powerful nonprofit organizations, The Creed of Ink and GotchaCovered Blankets, both focused on healing, legacy, and giving back.

This is an episode for every officer, leader, spouse, andan advocate who believes the story isn’t over.

🔑 Topics Covered:

Cumulative trauma and the hidden cost of policing

Building a culture of support in law enforcement

Mental health awareness and suicide prevention

The power of resilience training in police academies

Peer support as a lifeline.

Preparing for retirement and identity shift

Recognizing acts of kindness in uniform

Creating a legacy beyond the badge

🎧 Listen on Your Favorite Platform:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0C4wNoBzyn8e8HwXqdEp7W

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Tell_This_Story

Website + Book: https://www.dougwhiteofficial.com

Book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DJRY7W72

Support:

✍️ The Creed of Ink – Healing through words and community. https://www.thecreedofink.org

🛏️ GotchaCovered Blankets – Giving comfort and dignity to those in need. https://gotchacoveredblankets.com

☕ Polestar Coffee – Veteran roasted, mission driven https://www.polestarcoffee.com

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